Ailing Anna calls off fast, threatens to campaign against Congress

Veteran social activist Anna Hazare broke his fast for a strong Lokpal Bill on Wednesday evening considering his failing health.

Hazare, however, threatened the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) Government that he would campaign against the latter in five poll-bound states for not brining a strong and an effective anti-graft bill.

"I have decided to call off the fast today. There is only one way now. We will make a programme in the five states and go and awaken people there. I will tell them don't vote for traitors, Hazare told the gathering at the Mumbai's MMRDA ground.

"Now two years are left for the general elections. In between, I will go to various parts of the country and keep awakening the people till next general elections," he added.

Hazare had earlier in the day urged the youth of the country to fight for the betterment of the nation.

Asserting that we will campaign against those who opposed the Lokpal Bill, Hazare said: "From Dec 30-Jan 1, I will be at Delhi's Ram Lila Ground for a protest. I put my faith in the youth of this country and I appeal to them to fight. You can do greater things than Anna Hazare."

The veteran social activist's doctors had earlier requested him to call off his fast saying that it could lead to kidney failure.

At the end of his first day of hunger strike, Anna's fever had climbed to 102 degrees and his Blood Pressure was 170/104. His temperature had come down to 100 degrees, but his blood pressure dropped to 105/70 when standing, making it difficult for him to walk, the doctor said.

The Jan Lokpal bill drafted by the civil society members led by Hazare had envisaged the setting up of a national anti-corruption watchdog to check financial mismanagement and corrupt practices that have deeply pervaded several democratic and civic institutions of India.